Andre Murphy was looking for a place to play.

Saturday, July 29, 2000

Andre Murphy was looking for a place to play. Morehead State University was looking for a player. It was a match made in Ironton.

Murphy finished up his Ironton Fighting Tigers career in the Division IV state championship game last season. But Murphy didn’t want that to be his stopping point, so he looked for a college to play and continue his career and education.

Murphy has found that chance at Morehead State where he will be given a chance to play outside linebacker.

"I still wanted to play football and Morehead had seen me (on film) and they were interested," Murphy said. "I was interested in Bluffton, but Morehead was closer, they have a good program, and good facilities.

"They have a new turf. It looks like grass and you can wear regular cleats on it. It’s really nice."

Murphy played guard and defensive end for Ironton, helping the team to a 10-4 record and the Division IV state runner-up spot.

"I really want to play defense. I’ve had my mind set on defense," Murphy said.

Although he stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 200 pounds, Murphy bench presses 350 pounds and has solid speed.

Murphy knows the game at the college level will be different than what he’s grown accustomed to in high school.

"It’ll be a lot faster, and there are a lot more things to know. I’ll have to learn a whole new system and terminology," Murphy said.

As a freshman, Murphy is aware he will have an uphill battle just to earn some playing time on the kicking team. But he has the confidence that he can contribute some day.

"The coach looked at me and said if I come in shape, he thinks I can play. He said he saw me and he thinks I can play," Murphy said. "One of the things that helped is (Ironton) coach (Bob) Lutz told them that I was a hard worker. And playing the schedule we do at Ironton also prepared me for college."

Murphy joins fellow Ironton teammate Jay Colegrove, a tackle, at Morehead State this fall. Colegrove signed earlier with the Eagles.

Murphy, who plans to major in physical therapy, is the son of Martha Murphy of Ironton.